Most insurance companies place a cap on the annual number of times a member is authorized to visit a chiropractor. But is this a wise strategy?
This blog is based on an article written by Mark Studin, DC, published in Dynamic Chiropractic’s June 17, 2011 issue.
It is estimated that 400,000 spinal fusions and microdiscectomies are performed each year in the United States. A 2010 study by McMorland, evaluated the outcomes of patients undergoing spinal surgery performed by neurosurgeons to patients undergoing non-operative chiropractic adjustments. Both parties shared a similar diagnosis and all chiropractic patients were recommended for surgery by neurosurgeons. The shared diagnosis was one sided disc herniation with associated nerve root pain.
After the completion of chiropractic care, 60% of chiropractic patients reported a successful outcome. 40% did not and then proceeded to undergo successful surgery.
This means that 240,000 spinal surgeries could have been avoided.
The estimated cost per spinal surgery is $70,159. The estimated cost per chiropractic case is $3,918. [I personally think that this number is extremely high]
If one spinal candidate underwent chiropractic care the savings would be approximately $66,241. If multiplied by 240,000, the annual cost savings would be $15,897,840,000.
The estimated savings is probably greater because the 400,000 annual spinal surgeries are considered a conservative estimate.
It is time that chiropractic is fully accepted in the minds of the medical establishment and by the people of the United States. The benefits include billions of dollars, greater health, less disability, and less suffering.
Please contact Dr. Jeffrey Linder at Bryant Park Wellness in New York City with any questions regarding this blog, chiropractic, and wellness.
